Think of some ways in which people waste natural resources in their daily lives.

1. What do you understand by the term "natural resources"?

2. Write a list of five objects that you use on a daily basis and decide what natural resources were used to make these products.

Read this information from the website of an organisation in New Zealand that provides courses and workshops on sustainable living. Decide which four daily activities in the list the text focuses on.

· preparing food · using electrical equipment · shopping · having a bath / shower

· throwing away rubbish · washing clothes · cleaning the house · travelling

Natural resources

Everybody knows our global environment is suffering and most people, given the choice, want to do something about it.

But where do you begin, locally? How can one person even make a difference? We can show you how. In fact, you've already started – thanks for taking the time to visit our new website!

The sustainable living programme is a practical, fun way of learning about and testing everyday changes that will reduce your environmental impact. It is an opportunity to "do your bit" now for future generations, and maybe save some money and help protect your health along the way. If you are used to thinking that there is little you can do, now is the time to change your mind!

In the home, we are used to wasting the precious resources that we have without even thinking about it. There are many day-to-day examples of waste and misuse. Did you know, for example, that we New Zealanders use 800 million plastic carrier bags a year – that's about 200 per person – and to make matters worse, plastic bags do not decay in landfills? Another example of needless waste is the water that we use at home on a daily basis. Just simply flushing the toilet for example takes up 30 % of our water demand. We also misuse a great amount of energy because of inefficient insulation in our houses. How much fossil fuel, wood and hydro-electric energy is required to keep New Zealand homes lit and warm?

Other habits contribute to growing pollution. When we go out, we use our cars far too much, intensifying the problem of congested city streets and of the fumes and the pollution we create. In addition, we spend far too much money on products we do not need. The message is buy, buy, buy! Products are no longer made to last, so we have the problem of how to dispose of them. What we throw away on a daily basis also creates problems. The average polythene sack or wheelie-bin of domestic rubbish collected by local authorities contains between 42 % and 47 % of garden clippings and kitchen scraps. Once in a landfill these decay into toxic liquid and methane gas, which contributes to climate change. Did you know? The wasted energy from electrical appliances that are in standby mode is equivalent to the output of 18 typical power stations. This costs an average family in the USA approximately $200 dollars a year. (The US Department of Energy)

Our sustainable living programme offers tips and techniques that are practical, realistic and can make a real difference. There are many examples of situations where individuals are making small changes in their lives that are having a significant impact. For example, people who used to put the heater on all day are now using timers and buying more energy-efficient light bulbs to provide lighting. Another useful way in which people are reducing waste is by switching off appliances when they are not in use. Leaving your TV on standby uses up a tremendous amount of energy. For your MP3 player, why not try using rechargeable batteries? Buying products that are eco-friendly and recycling is another increasingly common practice.

When you are out shopping, buying in bulk is another handy tip. Buying items loose and in great quantities can save you money and cuts down on unnecessary, wasteful packaging. Those colourful packages are just another by-product of rampant consumerism and the consumer trap we live in. However, do we really need them? In the past, many people used to grow their own vegetables, but recently we seem to have lost this habit. If you like gardening, why not start growing your own produce? Another thing that we can do, that will also help us to get fitter, is to walk more often, instead of taking the car, or even using public transport. This would certainly help to reduce levels of pollution. At the moment, an estimated 47 % of journeys are under three kilometres and 70 % are under eight kilometres.

The important thing is to take action. It is no use just waiting for the government to intervene. We as individuals can all do something to make the world a better and healthier place to live in. There are many projects that are taking place right now that you can get involved in, and many things that you can do as an individual. So instead of sticking your head in the sand, it is time to take responsibility and do something.

Choose the best answer (A, В or C) for each question.

1. In the introduction, the main point is that…

A. there is very little we can do as individuals.

В. we have to be part of a group to improve the situation.

C. many things can be changed even through individual action.

2. According to the website, we waste resources because we…

A. are not aware of the situation.

В. do not really care about the situation.

C. are not organised well enough.

3. What is meant by: Products are no longer made to last?

A. Products break or wear out quickly.

В. Products are given less importance.

C. We buy too many products.

4. According to the website, leaving your TV on standby…

A. wastes a small amount of energy.

В. does not make any difference to energy consumption.

C. wastes a lot of energy.

5. The expression consumer trap implies that…

A. goods cost more and more.

В. we buy more and more.

C. we save more and more.

6. According to the website, people should stop…

A. being obsessed with personal health.

В. ignoring the problem.

C. protesting against the government.

Language Development